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Pyloric Stenosis

Pyloric Stenosis – Basic Overview

Pyloric Stenosis is an uncommon condition which can affect the pylorus between the stomach and the small intestine of infants, The Pylorus is a small muscular valve which is responsible for holding the food in the stomach until it is ready to be passed along for the next digestive process.

During Pyloric Stenosis, the muscles of the Pylorus thicken, leading to blocking the food from entering to small intestine of the baby. Pyloric Stenosis often leads to vomiting, dehydration as well as loss of weight. Infants suffering from this condition are often hungry most of the time. This condition can be fixed with surgery. This is one of the major facts, which should make you visit your pediatrician.

Causes of Pyloric Stenosis:

The causes behind Pyloric Stenosis are unknown. However, it has been found that genetic and environmental factors play a major role in causing this condition.

It is recommended to visit a doctor if your baby begins to exhibit the following signs:

Vomiting after feeding

Projectile vomiting

Laziness and loss of activeness

Increased irritability

Less urination

Fewer bowel movements

Loss of weight

Signs and Symptoms of Pyloric Stenosis:

The signs of Pyloric Stenosis appear within three to six weeks after the birth. The following are the major symptoms of the condition:

Projectile Vomiting: Forceful ejection of milk up to several feet after feeding is one of the major symptoms of the condition. Vomiting occurs usually after 30 minutes of the feeding.

Stomach Contractions: Wave like contractions known as Peristalsis can be noted immediately before vomiting.

Dehydration: Crying, excessive lethargy and increased dehydration are some of the major signs of the condition.

Change in the bowel movements: Since the condition prevents the food from entering the small intestine, the babies suffering from this condition are often constipated.

Weight Problems: Pyloric Stenosis can prevent the baby from gaining body weight and can cause an excessive loss of weight.

Tests and Diagnosis of Pyloric Stenosis as suggested by Child Specialist:

Initial Physical tests can help the doctors to feel an olive shaped lump, the enlarged pyloric muscle during the examination of the baby’s abdomen. The peristaltic waves in the baby’s abdomen too are another major sign of pyloric stenosis.

Furthermore, the doctors may also order blood tests in order to look for signs of dehydration. An ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis of the condition.

Mostly, child specialist suggests the given test.

Treatment and Drugs for Pyloric Stenosis:

Pyloric Stenosis is generally treated with the help of a surgical procedure known as Pyloromyotomy. In this process, the surgeon cuts inside the thickened pylorus - a muscle which allows the inner lining of the muscle to bulge out. This allows the doctor to open a channel in order to allow the passage of the food to the small intestine. Most often, a surgery is the best way for the treatment without any major complications. A laparoscope is inserted via a small incision near the naval. After the surgery, the baby is prescribed with IV Fluids for a few hours. The potential complications arising from surgery may include bleeding or an internal infection. However, most babies are able to come back home within 48 hours after the surgery. The total recovery period ranges for a week. The baby may want to feed more after the surgery, which is quite normal.

All the above information will increase your knowledge about pediatric treatments, which helps you take care of your child. We are presenting the